As someone who ultimately chose to study journalism because of an undeniable love for traveling the world and learning new things, I never thought this piece would become a reality, but here we go.

Good morning from London, United Kingdom. 

I am currently sitting in my dorm room, trying to put into words how these last couple of weeks have been for me. Trying to wrap my head around how much hard work, dedication, and time it took for me to finally be here. 

After a long eight months of planning and facing unexpected obstacles, I am so excited to share that I am studying Fashion Media and Communication for the next four months at the London College of Fashion,  one of the branches of the University of the Arts London (UAL). 

Rowan University has truly opened my heart up to journalism these past three years as I have had the opportunity to learn about politics, business, and environmental reporting, but fashion journalism in particular has always caught my eye, and I am so thrilled to start my senior year with something fresh and different. 

These past couple of weeks in London have been eye-opening in ways I didn’t think were possible. To constantly be around people with some of the most creative minds, makes me remind myself why I want to keep doing what I am doing. UAL has been so welcoming and has made me so stoked for the upcoming months of knowledge and further imagination. 

Even though I am far from my family, friends, and my diligent Whit staff, it didn’t take me long to call this beautiful city my home for the next few months. Every hour that goes by, I feel more and more like a local, and yet my excitement and butterflies in my stomach only increase every time I step out. 

I can’t imagine getting used to culture shock in a city like London, however, I do believe you learn something new every day despite how long you’ve lived here. It is filled with the most interesting facts and secrets and as an international student, I crave to get into the nitty-gritty of things.

But there are also some peculiar things I noticed right away.

Phone snatchers are very much a real thing in London. There are several signs and announcements that tell you to keep your phone inside your bag if it is not being used and to always be on the lookout for fast moving strangers. It is rumored that the snatched phones are being taken to different countries, mainly around Asia, as the demand for the phones is higher overseas, which makes me hug my phone tighter and has made me more aware of my surroundings.

Additionally, an hour commute to university and work is very normal in the city. I take the tube for about 40 minutes and then walk 15 minutes to get to class, and I initially thought that was abnormal, but it is actually the average time to travel, as the city is split into many different towns that you need to pass. As far as it may seem, the interesting things that you see on your way make you never want to reach your destination. 

The people in the city love calling London their home and will kindly go on about it if you stop them to ask what’s nearby. As someone who loves Harry Potter, One Direction, and other British-oriented things, it is so exciting to see posters and merchandise at almost every store you walk into, almost like the city is so proud to show off what’s theirs.

I am looking forward to dissecting more about the city and am even more excited to continue to live out my journalism dreams.

I believed at the end of my study abroad semester that I would become the best version of myself, but in no way did I ever think that I would see such a positive change within myself during the first two weeks of my experience. 

If you are reading this and wish it was you in my shoes, I highly recommend not just daydreaming about the thought of it but actually doing your research and taking a risk. The American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS) has really helped make the process a lot easier as they are partnered with Rowan and have many programs to choose from all over the world. 

There is always time and it is never too late to chase your dreams.

Every day is a new adventure and it is insane to think that it is only the beginning of my journey. I can’t wait to continue to grow not only emotionally and academically, but also in my chuffed vocabulary of British slang. 

Now onto more bonkers London endeavors.  

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